BOSSES at a taxpayer-funded community swimming pool have sparked fury by hosting men and women-only sessions – for “cultural reasons”

Gender-segregated time slots, advertised as ‘Alhamdulliahswimming’ on Facebook, will be offered on Friday evenings at the Inspire Sports Village in Stopsley, Luton, Bedfordshire, which was built using Olympics cash.

The move, which benefits the town’s large Asian population, will give men exclusive access to the larger 50 metre competitive pool, while women will have to use the smaller 20 metre community pool.

One outraged female swimmer, who did not wish to be named, said: “The Friday night session for everyone is now closed because of the listed men-only sessions.